Report 2013-036 Recommendation 2 Responses

Report 2013-036: Indian Gaming Special Distribution Fund: Counties' Benefit Committees Did Not Always Comply With State Laws for Distribution Fund Grants (Release Date: March 2014)

Recommendation #2 To: Lake County

To comply with state law, benefit committees should ensure that they obtain sufficient documentation from grant applicants to demonstrate that proposed projects mitigate casino impacts. If applicable, that documentation should demonstrate that the requested funding represents a correct proportionate share of the costs attributable to casino impacts.

6-Month Agency Response

Training was provided to Committee members and applicable agencies regarding the audit findings and necessary documentation to demonstrate the necessary nexus and a proportionate share of the impact. Committee/Administrative Office Staff worked with agencies during the application process to insure applications demonstrated a proportionate share. In fact, applications for funding from the Public Services Department were not accepted due to not being able to demonstrate a proportionate share of impacts.

While this was listed as "fully implemented" the same process will need to be followed each year (if the SDF program continues).

Lake County provided documentation that it is ensuring that grant applicants demonstrate that requested project funds represent a proportionate share of costs attributable to casino impacts.

60-Day Agency Response

Staff have organized and held a training session for all committee members to review and discuss the audit report's findings and recommendations. This meeting was held on January 31, 2014 and also included the direction provided to staff in crafting an appropriate response to the audit. The Committee will begin reviewing applications for funding on May 15, 2014. On this date staff will again review the audit recommendations and provide an overview of the need for a demonstrated proportionate share of costs. Staff will continue to provide appropriate guidance to Committee members on reviewing and ensuring appropriate documentation is provided to demonstrate proposed projects are funded based on a correct proportionate share.